Things will never be the same for La Albiceleste, as one of the greatest players in history will no longer wear its jersey after 21 years of representing his country. Can Argentina adapt to playing without Messi on the pitch?

This series of friendly matches will be a major test for Scaloni’s team as it begins to shape the post-Messi era. With several names already being mentioned as potential replacements in some capacity, the team that has won it all in recent years is now beginning its transition process.

Other players who also said goodbye to the Argentina national team

Lionel Messi is not the only player who decided to retire from international football following the conclusion of the last World Cup. Nicolas Otamendi, another veteran who won several major tournaments with Argentina, also said goodbye to the national team.

There are two other names who, while they have not publicly confirmed their retirement, remain uncertain regarding their future with the national team. The first is Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s longtime ally, while the other is Giovani Lo Celso.

Argentina’s friendly matches

During the late-September and early-October 2026 FIFA international window, the Argentina national team is playing three home friendly matches:

• vs. Bolivia: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.
• vs. Burkina Faso: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
• vs. Benin: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

During the match against Benin, the final game of the three friendly matches, Messi will have his official farewell, with the game serving as a tribute to his legendary career. A major celebration is expected, with the vast majority of his teammates from the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar joining him for the occasion.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi announced his retirement after 21 years representing La Albiceleste.
• Nicolas Otamendi also retired from international football following the World Cup.
• Argentina will play three friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

“I’ve worked with Cris for a year. It seems as though there’s some kind of issue or problem between him and me. There is absolutely no issue,” Jorge Jesus said during his press conference. “I’ve had problems with players in the past, but don’t turn this into an issue that doesn’t exist.”

CR7’s 18-year streak came to an end after he was left unused, and the manager made it clear that the decision was purely tactical: “This was simply a technical decision by a coach who had a plan in advance.”

The meeting between Jorge Jesus, CR7, and Pedro Proença

Jorge Jesus’ decision not to give Ronaldo any playing time escalated to the point that Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença met not only with the manager, but also with CR7 himself.

“As for the president, it’s completely normal for him to be here. The club president and the federation president should be with the national team,” Jorge Jesus spoke about the meeting at a hotel in Malmö, Sweden. “And because of everything that was being said in Portugal, he wanted to know what had happened, right?”

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Denmark?

Portugal currently sit atop Group 4 of League A in the UEFA Nations League, having won two consecutive matches. To remain the sole leaders, they will need to beat Denmark in their next match, which will also be played without Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.

“I told Cristiano that he would not play in either the match against Norway or the one against Denmark,” Jorge Jesus stated emphatically at a press conference. The match will be played at Parken Stadium, where a packed crowd is expected in the stands.

Key takeaways

• Jorge Jesus dismissed talk of tension after leaving Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.
• An 18-year streak came to an end when Ronaldo was left completely unused.
• Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença met with the manager and player.

For the Bronx Bombers, Max Fried will take the mound as the starting pitcher. The BoSox, meanwhile, will send Sonny Gray to the field to start Game 2. Two elite pitchers will look to secure the victory from the very beginning.

The Yankees know that they not only have the advantage of winning the first game, but will also play this decisive matchup in front of their home crowd. Will they finally close out the series, or will the Red Sox force a third game?

Max Fried’s numbers for the Yankees this season

In his 2026 regular season with the Yankees, Max Fried made 20 appearances (all starts), compiling a 5-5 record alongside a stellar 2.80 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP across 112.2 innings pitched. He struck out 104 batters while allowing just 87 hits and 27 walks, maintaining strong run suppression despite spending nearly two months on the injured list during the midseason.

Across his outings, he continued to showcase elite pitch control and soft contact metrics, limiting opponents to a meager .212 batting average against and holding a sub-3.00 ERA in his first year in pinstripes.

Gray is a reliable presence

Serving as the cornerstone of Boston‘s pitching staff throughout 2026, Sonny Gray proved to be a pure guarantee of performance, putting together an 18-5 record accompanied by a superb 2.72 ERA and 149 strikeouts over 169.0 innings (29 starts). Paired with a 1.15 WHIP, the veteran right-hander consistently locked down opposing lineups by executing deep, quality starts and maintaining a microscopic 2.53 ERA across his final 15 outings.

His veteran poise, sharp slider, and relentless run suppression cemented him as Boston’s definitive ace every single time he took the rubber at Fenway Park this season.

Key takeaways

• Max Fried starts for New York after recording a 2.80 ERA in 20 appearances.
• Boston selected Sonny Gray as its Game 2 starter following an 18-5 season.
• The Red Sox face elimination after losing Game 1 at Yankee Stadium.

Why is this the case? At this stage, the series are best-of-three. This means that the Phillies’ recent 5-3 loss makes it imperative for them to win the next game. Difficult, yes; impossible, no, although Jesus Luzardo might not play today.

The Braves also know they will play Game 2 at home, with their fans behind them as a particularly important factor. Can Philadelphia force an even more dramatic deciding game?

What happens if the Phillies defeat the Braves?

If the Philadelphia Phillies manage to defeat the Atlanta Braves, they will even the series at 1-1 and force a highly anticipated third game. Don Mattingly’s team will remain alive in the Wild Card Series.

Game 3 between the Phillies and Braves (if necessary) is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta, with an estimated first pitch at 2:00 PM ET.

What happens if the Phillies and Braves tie?

Since there can be no ties in an MLB postseason game, the rules take an interesting turn if both teams are tied after nine innings. The first rule to be applied is extra innings: the game will continue into extra innings until one team leads at the end of a complete inning (or until the Braves score a walk-off run in the bottom half of an extra inning).

Additionally, the No Ghost Runner rule comes into play. Unlike regular-season extra innings, MLB postseason games do not place an automatic runner on second base to start extra innings. Teams must build their runs from scratch, with no runners on base.

What happens if the Phillies lose to the Braves?

If the Phillies fall to the Braves again, their hopes of advancing will come to an end. The Braves will advance to the National League Division Series (NLDS), where they will face the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-five series beginning Saturday, October 3.

Key takeaways

• Best-of-three series format leaves the Philadelphia Phillies with no room for error.
• Game 3 would be played Thursday, October 1, 2026, if Philadelphia wins.
• No.2 seed Los Angeles Dodgers await the Braves if Atlanta wins.

The Phillies’ starting left-hander for the second game will be Cristopher Sanchez, who will face Tyler Mahle of the Braves. Don Mattingly’s team needs a win at all costs to stay alive in the series.

Truist Park will be the main stage for this matchup, which could, in many ways, determine the Phillies’ fate this season. If the home team manages to win again, they will eliminate Philadelphia and advance to the next round.

Jesus Luzardo’s numbers in Game 1

During NL Wild Card Series opener, Jesus Luzardo delivered a strong outing, pitching 5.0 solid innings while allowing just 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6 batters. Commanding his secondary pitches well and featuring a fastball that averaged 96.6 mph with 11 swings-and-misses, Luzardo exited the game after 5 innings with a no-decision.

However, the Braves eventually took advantage of the Phillies’ bullpen late in the game, securing a 5-3 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The problems following Luzardo’s exit

After Luzardo’s exit, Don Mattingly turned to the bullpen to protect a late lead—but the group ultimately collapsed in the final frames. The trouble began when closer Jhoan Duran was brought in unusually early in the 7th inning to face the top of Atlanta’s order.

While the Phillies briefly pulled ahead 3-1 via a two-run triple from J.T. Realmuto in the top half, the bullpen couldn’t hold the advantage. In the bottom of the 8th inning, Duran allowed a crushing go-ahead, three-run home run to Austin Riley—who crushed a 99.9 mph fastball—surrendering 4 unanswered late runs.

What injury did Luzardo recently suffer?

In mid-September 2026, Luzardo was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. After being scratched from a scheduled start on September 12 due to initial shoulder stiffness, an MRI revealed no structural damage.

He was sidelined for about two weeks to rest and recover, ultimately being activated right before the end of the regular season on September 28 to ensure he was cleared and ready for postseason action.

Key takeaways

• Cristopher Sanchez is the Phillies’ starting left-hander for Game 2, following Luzardo’s Game 1 start.
• 5.0 solid innings were pitched by Luzardo in Game 1 while allowing just one earned run.
• Three-run home run was surrendered by Jhoan Duran to Austin Riley in the bottom of the 8th.

The final score of the first game at Michelob ULTRA Arena was 102-85, and now the Fever find themselves with their backs against the wall. The home crowd will need to make its presence felt, while stars like Clark and Sophie Cunningham will have to give it their all.

The WNBA is entering a decisive stage, and the Aces are looking to secure their spot in the next round. Can the Fever stay alive and force a deciding Game 3?

What happens if the Fever defeat the Aces?

The Indiana Fever absolutely need to defeat the Las Vegas Aces to stay alive in the playoffs. Since it is a best-of-three series, losing the opener has put them in a difficult position, and another defeat would mean elimination.

The situation for the Aces is completely different. Their 1-0 lead gives them the opportunity not only to close out the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but also, in case of a loss, to take the series back home and decide it in Game 3, October 1.

What happens if the Fever and Aces tie?

Ties are not an option in this league, so if the score is level at the end of regulation, the game will go into overtime. There, five-minute quarters will be played, and whichever team is ahead at the end will be crowned the winner.

What happens if the Fever lose to the Aces?

If the Fever lose Game 2 against the Aces, their elimination will be confirmed. The dream of potentially reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in 11 years will be over, while Las Vegas will advance to the next round.

Key takeaways

• Indiana Fever lost 102-85 against the Las Vegas Aces in playoff Game 1.
• A tied score at regulation’s end forces five-minute overtime periods until a winner emerges.
• Losing Game 2 would eliminate Caitlin Clark and Indiana from the postseason.

Dart arrived in East Rutherford in the 2025 Draft, and over his two seasons in the NFL, injuries have been a constant. During his rookie season, he dealt with serious concussion issues, while just days ago, his 2026 campaign was cut short by a severe injury to one of his knees.

McCarthy’s arrival is one of the latest in a series of recent moves by the Giants, including the release of Odell Beckham Jr. While John Harbaugh is sticking with Jameis Winston as the QB1 moving forward, nothing appears to be guaranteed in the team’s plans.

The Giants have plenty of reasons to trust Dart

Jaxson Dart showed genuine franchise potential during his rookie campaign, putting up 2,272 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and 9 rushing touchdowns while maintaining an elite 1.5% interception rate. He picked up right where he left off in 2026, delivering a masterclass in Week 1 against Dallas Cowboys with 230 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and a blistering 79.3% completion rate before his early exit in Week 2.

That raw efficiency, poise under pressure, and dual-threat capability give New York every reason to double down on him as its long-term solution under center, proving his development is far too valuable to stall over a temporary injury set-back.

McCarthy awaits his opportunity

Next Sunday, October 4, the G-Men will host the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium, in what could be a key moment for them to gain momentum and truly establish themselves as contenders in the NFC East. While Harbaugh trusts what Winston can provide as the team’s primary signal-caller, any setback could put his position in jeopardy.

While J.J. McCarthy has not been able to establish himself as a starter for the Minnesota Vikings since entering the NFL, his talent is undeniable. Injuries and his lack of playing time may put him behind in the Giants’ pecking order, but he will patiently wait for any opportunity to prove that he can rise to the occasion.

Key takeaways

• New York Giants remain committed to Jaxson Dart as their long-term starting quarterback.
• Dart accumulated 2,272 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns during his rookie NFL campaign.
• The team hosts the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 4 at MetLife Stadium.

Where did Bobrovsky land for the season? The Russian goaltender agreed to an intriguing deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a three-year, $21 million contract.

With that in mind, Maurice has two goaltenders at his disposal for the new campaign. Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid will be the two netminders tasked with protecting the Panthers’ goal and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.

Bobrovsky’s time in Florida

Sergei Bobrovsky arrived in Sunrise as a marquee unrestricted free agent in July 2019, signing a massive seven-year, $70 million contract that immediately established him as the franchise’s cornerstone goaltender. Already a two-time Vezina Trophy winner during his time with Columbus, Bobrovsky’s tenure with the Panthers evolved from early scrutiny into a defining championship legacy.

Over six core seasons with South Florida, he amassed well over 150 regular-season victories—highlighted by a franchise-record 39 wins in the 2021–22 campaign—and posted a reliable GAA hovering around 2.60 to go with a .907 save percentage.

His ultimate impact came in the postseason, where Officer Bobrovsky anchored three consecutive Prince of Wales trophies and back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, forever altering the trajectory of the Florida Panthers organization.

Key takeaways

• Sergei Bobrovsky left Florida after contract negotiations broke down over a no-movement clause.
• The goaltender signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Toronto.
• Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid will serve as the Panthers’ netminders this season.

During the recent offseason, Marchand underwent surgery to address a lingering lower-body injury, meaning the veteran forward will be unable to join his teammates for the first few games of the season.

“Unfortunately I had to have surgery,” he recently revealed. “I was trying to fix without surgery but unfortunately that wasn’t able to happen and had to kind of do it last minute. With the time and the recovery I’m going to need I won’t be able to make it and play in the game.”

While there is no exact timetable for his return, there could be more clarity throughout October. Both Paul Maurice and GM Bill Zito intend to handle the situation cautiously, although it is not considered a long-term issue.

The Panthers need Marchand

The Florida Panthers need Brad Marchand’s veteran grit and offensive firepower as they look to turn things around after a tough 2025-26 campaign. During that season, Marchand proved he can still deliver top-tier production despite battling injuries, posting 27 goals and 54 points in just 52 games.

The Panthers desperately need that scoring depth and physical edge on the ice, especially after finishing 7th in the Atlantic Division with an 84-point record (40-38-4) and missing out on the postseason standard they set during their recent championship runs.

Marchand’s proven track record as a clutch playoff performer and crucial depth scorer provides Florida with the leadership and energy necessary to climb back up the divisional standings.

Florida’s first challenges

Maurice’s team will kick off its 2026-27 NHL regular season campaign with a four-game road trip through Carolina and California. Panthers’ season opener vs Hurricanes at PNC Arena is followed by a matchup against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center on Thursday, October 1.

They then visit the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on Sunday, October 4, before wrapping up the opening swing against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, October 6, right before returning home against the Minnesota Wild on October 10.

Key takeaways

• Brad Marchand will miss the season opener while recovering from lower-body surgery.
• He posted 27 goals and 54 points in 52 games last season.
• Florida opens its season against Carolina on Tuesday, September 29.

So far this season, OBJ has not recorded a single catch or receiving yard, while only drawing one target. Undoubtedly, this played a significant role in the Giants’ final decision regarding the wide receiver.

One of the reasons behind this decision also involves Berrios, who will be added to the updated depth chart. He was out of practice squad elevations and, as the team’s punt returner, the Giants ultimately decided to give him a more prominent role.

Prioritizing the ground game

Odell’s lack of playing time was not only due to the competition within the wide receiver room, but also the coaching staff’s intention to prioritize the ground game so far this season. Dart’s injury was key to this change in strategy, as the Giants will no longer have his strong arm available for the remainder of the season.

While Cam Skattebo is the main figure in the backfield, John Harbaugh has three other notable options to break through opposing defenses. Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are the team’s other running backs.

What’s next for OBJ?

What many are now beginning to wonder is what the future holds for the wide receiver: Is Odell Beckham Jr. retiring, or will he try to get another opportunity with a different team? Insider Jordan Schultz suggested that the fact OBJ earned a spot on the G-Men’s 53-man roster could give him another opportunity with a different franchise.

Key takeaways

• The Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. due to his limited early-season involvement.
• The wide receiver recorded zero catches and only one target through three weeks.
• OBJ might not retire yet.

Aaron Boone took charge of putting together the most competitive roster possible for what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive series against the BoSox. The two teams know each other very well from their battles in the AL East, and the series will likely be decided by the smallest of details.

While Judge isn’t playing for the Yankees, the plan is to rest him so he can eventually be at full strength for a later stage of the playoffs. Will the Bronx Bombers be able to come out on top in this matchup at Yankee Stadium?

Key returns for the Yankees

The Pinstripes received a timely boost for their AL Wild Card Series as both Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham were cleared to make the postseason roster. Stanton had been sidelined since late April following persistent issues with strained calf muscles in both legs, which limited him to just a handful of appearances this year before being transferred to the 60-day injured list in August.

Meanwhile, Trent Grisham missed the final weeks of the regular season after suffering a right hamstring strain in early September. Despite battling through significant recovery periods and lingering health concerns, both veterans completed their rehabilitation activities in time to be declared available for manager Aaron Boone against Boston.

The dream of returning to the World Series

The Yankees are hosting the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. As the higher-seeded team, the Yankees hold home-field advantage for the entire best-of-three series, which takes place over three consecutive days starting with Game 1 on Tuesday, September 29, followed by Game 2 on Wednesday, September 30, and an if-necessary Game 3 on Thursday, October 1.

Key takeaways

• Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham made the Yankees’ Wild Card roster while Aaron Judge was left off.
• Stanton had been sidelined since late April with strained calf muscles in both legs.
• The best-of-three series against the Boston Red Sox begins on Tuesday, September 29.

According to the insider Jon Machota on X, America’s Team owner said on 105.3 The Fan that there are “conversations going on” right now about potentially upgrading the roster. However, he did not specify which positions the team is looking to strengthen.

That said, in order to avoid tampering violations, Jones declined to make specific comments about Joey Porter Jr.’s situation. The cornerback is currently at an impasse in contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and leaving Steel City is one of the possibilities.

The Cowboys’ defense was one of the areas the franchise focused on most during the offseason. Will they continue adding names and talent in an effort to turn the season around in the short term?

Cowboys’ deficit so far this season

Despite maintaining an explosive offense led by Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ primary deficit in the 2026 NFL season continues to be their struggling defensive unit. The defense currently ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 27.3 points per game (25th in the NFL) and a staggering 387.0 total yards per game (30th).

The issue is particularly glaring against the run, where opponents are gouging them for 5.0 yards per carry and ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed (179.7 per game). Furthermore, the unit has been unable to get off the field on critical downs, sitting dead last in the league by allowing a 58.8% third-down conversion rate.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones acknowledged ongoing internal conversations about upgrading the roster.
• Dallas holds a 1-2 record heading into Week 4.
• Their defense currently allows 27.3 points per game.

“We’ll have a discussion as a coaching staff and we’ll see where we need to go from here,” Johnson said to the press once the game concluded. “But I said it last week and I’ll say it again: There was a reason Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback.”

Still, the head coach could not have been more pleased with Keenum’s performance at Soldier Field. With very few people having him on their radar after sitting behind Caleb Williams and Tyler Bagent on the depth chart, No. 11 came out firing against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“It’s all about Case Keenum,” Johnson added. “What he was able to do here tonight, I thought he did an extraordinary job. When the running game’s not going, being able to lean into the passing game as a play caller . . . He played really efficient football and I couldn’t be more proud of him for that.”

Keenum shines on MNF

In his first start in three years, Keenum delivered an efficient performance to lead the Chicago Bears to a 27-7 victory over the Eagles. At 38, Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, throwing two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Keenum also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown—making him the oldest player in franchise history to score on the ground—while taking no sacks and orchestrating an offense that controlled the clock for nearly 37 minutes.

What’s next for the Bears?

Looking ahead, the Bears kick off a crucial three-game slate starting on October 4, when they host the New York Jets at Soldier Field. They will then hit the road for back-to-back away games, heading to Lambeau Field on October 11 for a fierce NFC North rivalry clash against the Green Bay Packers, before traveling down to Atlanta on October 18 to face the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Key takeaways

• Case Keenum started on Monday Night Football despite remaining behind Tyson Bagent on depth chart.
• The veteran quarterback led Chicago to a 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Chicago hosts the New York Jets at Soldier Field on October 4.

What about the backups on each team’s depth chart? The Bears were left somewhat depleted in this regard: Tyson Bagent became the primary backup after coming out of concussion protocol, while Chicago named running back Roschon Johnson as the designated emergency third-string QB.

In Philadelphia, things are somewhat clearer. Andy Dalton is the primary backup, while Tanner McKee is listed behind him on the depth chart, followed by Cole Payton who will be inactive.

Caleb Williams has yet to return from his injury

Caleb Williams suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during the Chicago Bears’ Week 2 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. He was forced to exit the game in the second half after pulling up and getting carted off to the locker room. Medical evaluations later confirmed the Grade 2 strain, carrying a typical recovery timeline of three to four weeks.

While Chicago has listed him as week-to-week and he is determined to beat the standard recovery frame, he is expected to miss several upcoming games, putting his potential return target around mid-to-late October.

Hurts remains the leader the Eagles need

Through the first two games of the 2026 NFL season, Jalen Hurts has led the Eagles to a 2–0 start, completing 40 of 62 passes (64.5%) for 467 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He opened the year with a sharp three-touchdown performance against the Commanders before following it up with a 264-yard, two-touchdown effort in a Week 2 win over the Titans.

On the ground, he has added 62 rushing yards on 12 carries, continuing to provide a steady dual-threat presence in Philadelphia‘s offense. Led by their biggest star, the Eagles want to make their way back to the Super Bowl.

Key takeaways

• Case Keenum was named the starting quarterback following Caleb Williams’ injury.
• Running back Roschon Johnson was designated as Chicago’s emergency third-string QB.
• Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia to a 2–0 start behind 5 touchdown passes.

“One notable thing he said is that he hasn’t run the bases yet. Asked if he’s done any running at all, he only mentioned doing so on the zero gravity machine,” The New York Post Sports‘ writer Gary Phillips revealed on X.

The outlook, however, appears more promising than initially expected for the Bronx Bombers. It will ultimately be a matter of seeing whether Aaron Boone will be able to use his biggest star during this crucial stretch of the postseason.

A last-minute setback for Judge

Aaron Judge was recently placed back on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, which occurred just days after his return to the lineup in September. This setback came right on the heels of his most significant injury of the 2026 season—a right first-rib stress fracture suffered after diving for a shallow fly ball in late April.

Though he attempted to play through the discomfort for several weeks, the pain eventually forced him onto the IL in early June, causing him to miss 84 games before his brief, ill-fated comeback.

Yankees’ playoff schedule

As the No. 4 seed in the American League, the New York Yankees are hosting their archrivals, the No. 5 seed Boston Red Sox, in a best-of-three Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium. The postseason rivalry kicks off with Game 1 on Tuesday, September 29, followed by Game 2 on Wednesday, September 30, and a potential Game 3 on Thursday, October 1.

If the Yankees advance past the Wild Card round, they will move on to the American League Division Series (ALDS) to face the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays, starting on Saturday, October 3.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge has not yet run the bases prior to Game 1.
• A right calf strain recently sent him back to the 10-day injured list.
• The New York Yankees kick off their Wild Card Series on September 29.

“@Giants what’s up,” Pierre-Paul wrote on his official X account. A short, concise message with a clear objective: he is available to the team if needed. Burns’ significant absence for an extended period could open the door for the former Giants pass rusher.

Pierre-Paul won a Super Bowl with the G-Men, and his potential return would follow in the footsteps of OBJ, who put the blue jersey back on after a great training camp. Could these two players share a locker room once again in the Big Apple?

Pierre-Paul’s time in New York

Jason Pierre-Paul landed with the New York Giants as the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of South Florida. Over his eight seasons in Big Blue (2010–2017), he was an absolute force on the edge, racking up 432 total tackles (310 solo), 58.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and a defensive touchdown off a fumble return.

His breakout year came in 2011, when he exploded for 16.5 sacks and earned First-Team All-Pro honors alongside his first Pro Bowl nod. That same season, he played a massive role in the Giants’ magical postseason run, anchoring the defense as they defeated the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XLVI.

A two-time Pro Bowler during his tenure in New York, JPP solidified his spot as one of the most dynamic pass rushers in franchise history before being traded in 2018.

Key takeaways

• Jason Pierre-Paul signaled on social media that he is available to join the Giants.
• His potential return follows the comeback of Odell Beckham Jr. to New York.
• The pass rusher previously recorded 58.5 sacks over eight seasons with Big Blue.

Tampa Bay‘s primary backup is Jalon Daniels, who arrived this season as an undrafted free agent. On the practice squad, the quarterback listed is Easton Stick.

This is undoubtedly the worst-case scenario for the Bucs, who are desperate to turn things around as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this tough start leaves them at the bottom of the NFC South and, without their top star, the road ahead looks even more challenging.

What happened to Mayfield?

Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb on his throwing hand late in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers’ Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The injury happened late in the game when he went down in clear pain, holding his right hand before heading off to the locker room with the medical staff.

While initial X-rays didn’t reveal any fractures, he was scheduled for an MRI to assess potential ligament damage and determine how long he’ll be sidelined. Unfortunately for Todd Bowles, he won’t be able to count on him until at least Week 7.

Daniel’s time

In his final season with the Kansas Jayhawks, Jalon Daniels posted strong numbers, throwing for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions on 198-of-319 passing (62.1% completion rate), while adding 4 rushing touchdowns on the ground.

Pressed into action for his NFL regular-season debut, the Bucs rookie QB struggled to find his rhythm. He went 0-for-3 with a game-ending interception on a Hail Mary attempt, while adding 9 yards on one scramble as Tampa Bay fell 23–16 to the Vikings.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield will miss three weeks due to a dislocated right thumb.
• Undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels serves as Tampa Bay’s primary backup quarterback.
• The Buccaneers fell to a 0-3 record after losing 23–16 to the Vikings.

“It’s almost time to get off the couch and get to work,” Hill said, accompanied by a sobbing emoji. It appears that Cheetah is seriously eager to put on his helmet and return to professional football.

What many are beginning to wonder is where he could ultimately end up. The Kansas City Chiefs are undoubtedly an interesting target, but there is still nothing concrete regarding his future.

When was the last time Hill took the field?

Tyreek Hill last suited up on September 29, 2025, playing for the Miami Dolphins in a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Early in the third quarter, he suffered a severe left knee injury after catching a pass, which resulted in a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments (including his ACL) that ended his 2025 season.

Prior to being carted off the field and taken to a local hospital, Hill had hauled in 6 receptions for 67 yards. Since then, all the focus has been on his recovery, and now, as a free agent, he is looking for a chance at redemption in the final stage of his career.

Kansas City might be a good fit for Hill

During his six-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyreek Hill put up ridiculous numbers—racking up 479 receptions, 6,630 receiving yards, and 56 receiving touchdowns, plus another 719 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns on the ground and in the return game.

As a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro in Kansas City, his tenure peaked when he helped capture Super Bowl LIV. With those electric statistics and championship history, bringing back the Cheetah to pair with Patrick Mahomes would give Chiefs Kingdom the ultimate spark to ignite another dominant title run.

Key takeaways

• Tyreek Hill posted on social media hinting at a potential return to the NFL.
• The wide receiver suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments on September 29, 2025.
• He recorded 56 receiving touchdowns during his six-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Frustrated,” Prescott said, via the team’s website. “Frustrated as hell. Excuse me. Embarrassed. We don’t call ourselves the best offense, GOTI [Greatest Offense There Is], and get down to the one-yard line and don’t put it in.

“Yeah, it just (expletive). Not a lot of words or full explanation of it. Defense shouldn’t even have been in that position. Those guys were over there saying ‘it’s on us,’ absolutely not. We’ve got to put the game away, period.”

The Cowboys were in an ideal position to at least take the game to overtime. The rest is history: Tyler Loop’s kick with just one second left on the clock sealed the Ravens’ victory.

The Cowboys’ lack of awareness

The Cowboys blew it before Baltimore even got the ball back, mainly because their offense completely sputtered out right after tying the game at 31–31. With a chance to take the lead or at least drain the clock, Dallas went cold when it mattered most, getting stalled by self-inflicted mistakes, predictable play-calling, and a crucial failure to pick up key third-down conversions.

Instead of taking control of the game, America’s Team handed the ball right back to Baltimore with a few seconds left, setting up the painful 34–31 finish. These types of mistakes can prove very costly when it comes to the final stretch of the regular season.

Dak’s numbers at the Maracana

In the historic international matchup in Rio de Janeiro, Dak Prescott put up a solid individual stat line, completing 25 of 40 passes (62.5% completion rate) for 276 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He added 19 rushing yards on 4 carries and finished with a 91.2 passer rating, but despite his efficient play through the air, it wasn’t quite enough to prevent the Cowboys’ heartbreaking defeat.

Back to the drawing board

Looking ahead, the Cowboys hit the road for a Week 4 matchup against the Houston Texans. They then return home to AT&T Stadium to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5, before heading out on another tough road test against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 6.

Key takeaways

• The Cowboys dropped to a 1-2 record following their defeat against the Ravens.
• Tyler Loop converted a game-winning kick with just one second remaining.
• Dallas moves forward to prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Houston Texans.

“They’re good defenders, but at the same time, we made it hard on ourselves too. Our actions were sloppy. I thought what we were running just wasn’t great, and just nobody got an easy or open look,” Clark said once the game concluded.

Before the end of the first half, the difference between the two teams in favor of Las Vegas was 15 points. As the minutes went by, that lead proved too much for the Fever to overcome, as they ultimately lost the game 102-85.

Clark was well defended

Caitlin Clark recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists across 34 minutes on the floor, but she had a tough night largely because the Aces locked her down defensively from the jump. Chelsea Gray took on the main task of picking her up full-court and pressuring her off the bounce, while Las Vegas made a point to blitz her on pick-and-rolls, constantly throwing physical baseline help at her to force the ball out of her hands.

That relentless pressure held her to 6-for-17 shooting from the field (35.3%) and 3-for-10 from deep, forced 6 turnovers, and kept her to just 3 rebounds.

The Fever are on the brink

Following their first setback, the Fever find themselves backed into a corner as they prepare to face Las Vegas Aces again in Game 2 next Tuesday, September 29, where their season is officially on the line.

While the outcome could have been different had they won against the Aces, Indiana must now quickly regroup and adjust to Las Vegas’ aggressive defense to avoid elimination. If the Fever manage to force a decisive Game 3, they will stay alive for a spot in the WNBA Finals; otherwise, their playoff run comes to an early end.

Key takeaways

• The Indiana Fever fell behind by 15 points before losing Game 1 102-85.
• Caitlin Clark recorded 15 points and 10 assists despite facing intense defensive pressure.
• Indiana faces elimination in Game 2 against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, September 29.

The pass rusher had entered this game at MetLife Stadium dealing with an ankle injury and was unable to finish the game after suffering this new setback. Undoubtedly, this is a major blow to John Harbaugh’s defense.

For the Giants, it will now be a matter of determining exactly how long Burns will be sidelined. He plays a major role on the team, not only because of his talent but also because of his impact in the locker room. No. 0 will now have to focus on his recovery in hopes of returning to the field as soon as possible.

The G-Men add another player to the list of those who will be sidelined for an extended period of time. Days ago, it was revealed that Jaxson Dart had suffered a serious injury, ending his season as well due to a knee injury.

How did Burns suffer his injury?

Brian Burns went down midway through the fourth quarter in the Giants’ 12-7 win over the Titans. It was a non-contact right knee injury where he reacted in pain immediately after a play, headed off with the training staff, and didn’t return.

The player went after Cam Ward and, after colliding with an opposing player, immediately went down to the turf. The footage clearly shows the pain Burns experienced in that moment.

The Giants’ next games on the schedule

The Giants have an interesting stretch coming up. First, they stay home at MetLife Stadium to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. After that, they head on the road for a key NFC East divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 5, before returning home to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 6.

Key takeaways

• Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL during the Giants’ recent victory.
• A knee injury previously ended quarterback Jaxson Dart’s season as well.
• The team secured a 12-7 win against the Titans.

“Dave Roberts said Edgardo Henriquez has been throwing bullpen sessions, is healthy. Will take part in bye week sim games, live BPs and expected to be on the NLDS roster,” Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register revealed on X.

Henriquez hasn’t pitched for Los Angeles since September 13 against the Miami Marlins, so his return would be a significant upgrade for the rotation. With another postseason about to begin, the Dodgers want to enter the playoffs in the best possible shape.

What injury did Henriquez suffer?

Edgardo Henriquez’s 2026 season hit a snag on September 16, when he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a low-grade back strain. The young reliever started dealing with lower back tightness following his mid-September bullpen appearances, leading the team to take a cautious approach to prevent it from worsening. Because it was diagnosed as a minor muscle strain, the stint was intended to give him a brief period of rest and treatment before getting him back on the mound.

The Dodgers’ postseason run

The Los Angeles Dodgers locked up the #2 seed in the National League after winning another NL West crown, earning a crucial first-round bye into the NLDS. They’ll skip the Wild Card round entirely and host Game 1 of the best-of-five Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, October 3.

Dave Roberts’ squad will wait to face the winner of the Wild Card matchup between the #3 seed Atlanta Braves and the #6 seed. With home-field advantage through the NLDS, the Dodgers are primed for another deep October run as they pursue a world championship ring.

Key takeaways

• Dave Roberts said Edgardo Henriquez is healthy and expected on the NLDS roster.
• Edgardo Henriquez went on the 15-day injured list with a low-grade back strain.
• Los Angeles earned a first-round bye and will host Game 1 on October 3.

Weathers has not played in an official game since late August, meaning he has been inactive for just over a month. If he arrives at the series against the BoSox at full strength, the Pinstripes will undoubtedly have strengthened their roster in some way.

The latest update on Aaron Judge’s condition was not particularly encouraging, so in a way, the news about Weathers is certainly a positive development. The Yankees want to establish themselves as serious World Series contenders.

What injury did Weathers suffer?

Ryan Weathers was having a solid first year in the Bronx after coming over from the Miami Marlins, but his regular season hit a wall back on August 22 against Toronto. The left-hander had to pull himself out in the fourth inning after feeling something off in his throwing arm, which was later diagnosed as a left forearm flexor strain.

While he managed to avoid Tommy John surgery, the injury shut him down for over a month; he’s only just started facing live batters in practice, with hopes of convincing the Yankees he can contribute out of the bullpen during the postseason.

The Yankees want to be contenders

The highly anticipated American League Wild Card Series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox kicks off on Tuesday, September 29, running through Thursday, October 1 (if a deciding Game 3 is needed). Because the Yankees locked up the #4 seed, the entire best-of-three series will be hosted right in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium.

Looking back at their 2026 regular-season head-to-head matchups, the Yankees held a slight upper hand over their division rivals, winning 7 of the 13 meetings—including a dominant 16-1 blowout victory at home to close out their final regular-season series back in late August.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone noted pitcher Ryan Weathers looks healthy and is in play for the AL Wild Card.
• The left-hander was sidelined for over a month due to a left forearm flexor strain.
• New York secured the #4 seed and will host the series at Yankee Stadium.

Michelob ULTRA Arena will be the main stage where the Aces will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and get off to a strong start. For Stephanie White’s squad, the goal is to make a statement and take the lead right from the opening game.

After 11 years, the Fever are looking to return to the Finals, with their only championship coming back in 2012 against the Minnesota Lynx. Clark, the team’s biggest star, is looking to win her first championship since entering the WNBA.

What happens if the Fever defeat the Aces?

If the Indiana Fever manage to defeat the Aces in Game 1, they will not only take a 1-0 series lead, but will also have the opportunity to close out the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 29.

It is worth noting at this point that, since this is the first playoff round, the series is decided in a best-of-three format. This means that whichever team wins two of the three games will advance to the next round.

What happens if the Fever and Aces tie?

In WNBA, games cannot end in a tie, so if the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces are tied at the end of regulation (four quarters), they play a 5-minute overtime period (and additional 5-minute overtimes until a winner is decided).

What happens if the Fever lose to the Aces?

A loss to the Aces in Game 1 would put Stephanie White’s Fever in a difficult position. When they return to Indianapolis for Game 2, Indiana will have to win to keep the series alive and force a decisive third game.

This potential matchup is scheduled for next Thursday, October 1, also in Las Vegas. Whichever team wins that game will advance to the next round.

Key takeaways

• The Indiana Fever aim to return to the Finals after an 11-year absence.
• Winning Game 1 allows Indiana to close out the series on Tuesday, September 29.
• Ties lead to a 5-minute overtime period until a winner is decided.

The initial reports indicate a knee injury, and Achane is out for today’s game. It is a tough blow for the Dolphins’ backfield, where Malik Willis has leaned heavily on him.

Jaylen Wright is listed behind Achane on the depth chart, but he is also out for this game due to injury. Jeff Hafley is dealing with issues that go beyond performance and on-field matters, as injuries are also becoming a concern.

Gordon repaid the trust

While Achane’s departure is a major headache, Gordon’s immediate entry paid off. Shortly after taking the field, the running back broke through the Chiefs’ defense and scored the Dolphins’ first touchdown of the game.

Achane is crucial to the Dolphins

De’Von Achane has been the ultimate focal point of Miami’s offense through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, racking up 110 rushing yards on 31 carries alongside 7 receptions for 49 yards.

While the Dolphins’ offense as a whole has struggled to find rhythm, Achane remains their absolute heartbeat—his game-breaking speed and dual-threat versatility as both a runner and a receiver force opposing defenses to respect the big play every single time he touches the ball.

Key takeaways

• De’Von Achane left the field limping after suffering a knee injury against Kansas City.
• Ollie Gordon II scored Miami’s first touchdown shortly after entering the game.
• Achane accumulated 110 rushing yards through the first two weeks.

According to what The New York Post Sports’ Greg Joyce revealed on X, the manager said that Judge has been doing some plyos and has been on the treadmill, but “not a whole lot yet.” It appears that No. 99 still does not have a guaranteed return in the near future.

The Bronx Bombers face a tough Wild Card matchup against the Red Sox, a historic rival who the Yankees know very well from their battles in the AL East. Having Judge back on the field could potentially tip the scales in Boone’s favor, but not at any cost.

Judge’s injury struggles this season

It’s been a brutal, injury-plagued 2026 campaign for Aaron Judge. After missing more than three months with a fractured right rib that kept him sidelined from late May until early September, he barely got seven games under his belt before getting bit by the injury bug again.

This time, a moderate right calf strain landed him right back on the injured list, requiring a plasma injection and leaving Aaron Boone uncertain about whether he will be able to count on his star player at the start of the playoffs.

The Yankees have their eyes on the playoffs

The Yankees are closing out the 2026 regular season today, September 27, hosting the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Once Game 162 is in the books, all eyes turn directly to October baseball: New York secured the #4 seed and will host the rival Boston Red Sox in a high-stakes, best-of-three Wild Card clash right in the Bronx.

That series kicks off on Tuesday, September 29, with Game 2 on Wednesday, September 30, and a deciding Game 3 on Thursday, October 1 if necessary. If Aaron Boone’s men manage to advance past Boston, they’ll move on to the American League Division Series to square off against the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone indicated Aaron Judge is doing treadmill work but is not fully ready.
• The star slugger missed more than three months with a fractured right rib.
• The Yankees secured the #4 seed and will host the Red Sox on Tuesday, September 29.

“Felt great, still gotta go through some things, but we’ll be good,” Moore revealed recently to the press. Skyler Bell is next on the depth chart at the RWR position.

Moore’s injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 raised concerns for the Bills, although fortunately for them, it turned out to be less serious than initially feared. Josh Allen has one of his favorite targets in Buffalo at No. 2 through the air.

What happened to Moore?

There was high drama for Buffalo during Thursday night’s game against the Lions when DJ Moore suffered a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as an AC joint sprain. The issue occurred late in the second quarter on a dive into the end zone, where he landed heavily on his side and absorbed the entire force of the impact directly on his shoulder joint.

After being evaluated in the locker room, tests confirmed there were no structural fractures in his shoulder, leaving him day-to-day as he worked to regain full mobility in time for Week 3.

Moore’s numbers so far this season

Through the first two games of his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, DJ Moore has hauled in 5 receptions on 8 targets for 100 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. He burst onto the scene in Week 1 against Houston with a big 100-yard outing and a score, but went catchless in Week 2 against Detroit after being forced out early due to his injury.

Buffalo’s receiving corps

Key takeaways

• Adam Schefter reported that the questionable wide receiver will play.
• Medical tests confirmed no structural fractures in Moore’s shoulder following an AC joint sprain.
• Through two games, he recorded 100 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches.

One important detail to keep in mind is that the MTV Video Music Awards are also taking place today, Sunday, September 27. The event is being held in Los Angeles, so Swift’s schedule could make it difficult for her to attend the ceremony if she travels to Miami.

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Swift has been in the stands for the Chiefs’ victories. Both games, played at Arrowhead Stadium, ended in wins over the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts.

The singer is often seen alongside Kelce at various points throughout the season, although there is still no confirmation that she will travel to Miami for Week 3. If her presence can be considered a good-luck charm, having her at the stadium could potentially provide a boost for the Chiefs.

Kelce is back to his best in 2026

Travis Kelce is off to a flying start in the 2026 season, racking up 172 receiving yards on 12 catches and a touchdown through the first two games to keep the Chiefs undefeated. He looks completely rejuvenated out on the field, and even Andy Reid credited Kelce and Taylor Swift’s marriage for giving the veteran tight end that extra spark and work ethic heading into his 14th year in the league.

When is the Chiefs’ next game at Arrowhead?

After back-to-back road trips against the Dolphins in Week 3 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, followed by their Week 5 bye, the Chiefs finally return to Arrowhead Stadium for their next home game on Sunday, October 18, to face the Los Angeles Chargers. It marks their first game in Kansas City in nearly a month, making it the ideal spot for Taylor Swift to return to her luxury suite and cheer on Travis Kelce as divisional action resumes.

Key takeaways

• Taylor Swift’s attendance is not guaranteed at Hard Rock Stadium for Week 3.
• Travis Kelce recorded 172 receiving yards and one touchdown through two games.
• Kansas City returns to Arrowhead Stadium for their next home game on October 18.

Pacheco arrived in Detroit to serve as Jahmyr Gibbs’ primary backup in the running game. Unfortunately for Dan Campbell, he will have to wait a little longer to see the former Chiefs running back on the gridiron. “It’s going to be a while,” the head coach said to the press.

The depth chart behind Gibbs this season features two other names who can be utilized by the coaching staff if needed. The first is Sione Vaki, while Jacob Saylors is further down.

What injury did Pacheco suffer?

Things haven’t gone as planned for Isiah Pacheco after signing with the Lions this past offseason. His camp was derailed early on by a knee issue, and just when he was trying to work his way back, a persistent back injury flared up.

The team ended up placing him on IR, and he ultimately had to undergo back surgery to clean things up, putting him on a rough 12-week recovery timeline that keeps him out until around the end of the year.

Pacheco’s successful run with Chiefs Kingdom

During his four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2022 to 2025, Pacheco accumulated 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 576 carries across 51 regular-season games, while adding 88 receptions for 554 yards and 3 receiving scores.

A vital engine in the backfield, he also claimed two Super Bowl titles with Kansas City (LVII and LVIII), adding another 547 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 10 postseason appearances.

Key takeaways

• Isiah Pacheco undergo back surgery that will keep him sidelined until at least December.
• Head coach Dan Campbell noted that it will be a while before Pacheco returns.
• Pacheco amassed 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his four seasons with Kansas City.

“I would think Sunday would be great. I would be all for it for Sunday. That would be the perfect time in my mind. So, I hope that happens this Sunday,” Harbaugh told the press on Friday.

OBJ sits behind Malik Nabers on the G-Men’s depth chart, facing significant competition at the LWR position. It remains to be seen whether the coaching staff ultimately decides to use him against the Titans.

Giants’ offense so far

The Giants have been leaning into a remarkably balanced attack so far, running the ball on 47 percent of their offensive snaps while putting up 61 total pass attempts through the first two weeks. Following Jaxson Dart’s injury, Jameis Winston will be the starting QB against the Titans.

Passing targets have been heavily funneled through the main tight ends, with Isaiah Likely (18) and Theo Johnson (5) soaking up 23 looks, while wideouts Malik Nabers, Malachi Field, and Darnell Mooney have combined for 28 targets. That leaves just 10 leftover passes for the backfield—and while Odell hasn’t seen a single target thrown his way just yet, it’s only a matter of time before he gets his chance.

New York’s talented receiving corps

Through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, the Giants‘ wide receiver room has seen mixed involvement: Malik Nabers leads the wideout group with 7 catches on 13 targets for 70 yards, while Darnell Mooney has been extremely efficient, hauling in 4 of his 5 targets for 75 yards. Malachi Fields has caught 4 passes for 55 yards on 10 targets.

Nagy needs OBJ ready

Matt Nagy joined the Giants this season to become part of Harbaugh’s staff, and he found a very talented, yet crowded, WR room. The fact that Odell has not had many opportunities so far does not mean he won’t get his chance in the near future. For the offensive coordinator, that means OBJ needs to be ready whenever he is called upon.

“We’re trying to probably slowly package him in some things offensively. So, it’s not that he’s just a backup,” said Nagy. “There are some times when, whatever it is personnel-wise, that we have it on the game plan. We just didn’t get to it. Or, ‘Hey, you’ve got to be ready. One injury away from being in all the time.’ And he knows that. He understands that.

“And I think probably just for us to be able to just him know that and just keep staying in your book and in the packages, we have for you, get in there and go do your thing.”

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh expressed hope that Odell Beckham Jr. plays Sunday against Tennessee.
• The team ran on 47 percent of offensive snaps through the first two weeks.
• Offensive coordinator Nagy noted they are slowly packaging Beckham into the offensive game plan.

The Commanders’ depth chart took a hit following Daniels’ injury, which appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. For this game, the primary backup behind Mariota will be rookie Athan Kaliakmanis.

Things appear to be much clearer for the Seahawks, especially with Darnold’s return. The primary alternative at the position is Drew Lock, who played a significant role in Weeks 1 and 2, while Jalen Milroe sits further down the QB room.

Daniels’ status is week-to-week

It was a scary moment for Washington during their Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys when Jayden Daniels went down with a dislocated left elbow right before halftime while trying to brace his fall. Fans were bracing for the worst—especially given his past elbow troubles—but the latest medical evaluations brought some relief, ruling out IR for now.

He is currently considered week-to-week, and while surgery isn’t immediately on the table as he attempts a quick return, medical experts suggest a potential procedure at the end of the season might still be needed to fix ligament joint laxity once and for all.

Darnold’s highly anticipated return

The Seahawks held their breath in the season opener against the New England Patriots when Sam Darnold went down after taking a heavy sack on the very first drive. What was initially feared to be a serious hip or leg issue turned out to be a weird soft-tissue glute injury, which kept him sidelined for Week 2 against Arizona.

Fortunately for Seattle, Drew Lock stepped in and kept the offense humming, leading his team to a 2-0 record and keeping them among the top contenders in the NFC.

Key takeaways

• Marcus Mariota will start for Washington, while Sam Darnold returns as Seattle’s primary quarterback.
• Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis will serve as the Commanders’ primary backup quarterback behind Mariota.
• Jayden Daniels is considered week-to-week after suffering a dislocated left elbow against Dallas.

That said, many are beginning to wonder who will serve as Winston’s backup for this game. According to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport on X, the G-Men have signed Jake Haener to the active roster, meaning he will be available to the coaching staff if needed.

The Titans’ depth chart appears to be a bit clearer. Just as in the previous games, Ward’s backup will be the experienced Mitch Trubisky, so the quarterback position appears to be well covered in Tennessee.

The Giants also have an emergency option at quarterback. According to ESPN’s Joe Buck, wide receiver and kick returner Braxton Berrios would serve as the Giants’ emergency QB in case anything happened to Winston. For the Titans, WR Tyler Boyd fills that role.

What happened to Dart?

Jaxson Dart‘s promising second season in the NFL has come to an abrupt halt. After taking a heavy hit during the opening quarter against the Los Angeles Rams, initial hope for a simple MCL sprain vanished when further medical evaluations revealed significant damage to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus.

The latest injury update confirmed knee surgery is required, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 campaign while Winston will over under center.

Ward continues to settle into the NFL

Through the first two weeks of the 2026 season with the Titans, Cam Ward has thrown for 323 passing yards, completing 32 of 52 passes (61.5%) with 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions, while adding 2 rushing touchdowns on the ground.

After taking a lot of sacks during a rough 3-14 rookie campaign, Ward is taking better care of the football and aiming to refine his decision-making in the pocket as he looks to establish himself as a steady franchise quarterback.

Key takeaways

• Jameis Winston and Cam Ward will start at quarterback in the Week 3 matchup.
• The G-Men signed Jake Haener to their active roster to back up Winston.
• Mitch Trubisky will serve as the backup signal-caller for Tennessee.

“It kind of goes into how I want to be remembered. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win championships and I want to be the best player in the world. That’s why I work the way I do and believe the way I do,” Clark acknowledged via The Athletic‘s Brian Hamilton.

“I believe that I can do that and I believe that this team can do that. But at the same time, (I want) to give joy to others. If I end up hanging it up and I never win a championship, hopefully, the impact and the effect I left on people is what I’m remembered for.”

Clark is well on her way

Since stepping onto a WNBA court as the overall top pick for the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark has completely rewritten the record books, snatching 2024 Rookie of the Year honors, making consecutive All-Star teams, and setting single-season league marks for assists while smashing franchise scoring records. But for Clark, all the individual hardware and eye-popping stats take a back seat to the bigger picture—her real mission is inspiring the next generation.

By proving that a relentless work ethic, elite court vision, and deep-range audacity can elevate women’s basketball into a global, prime-time spectacle, she wants young girls and boys everywhere to see that no stage is too big and no dream is off-limits.

The road to the championship

The Indiana Fever are entering the 2026 WNBA Playoffs as the No. 6 seed, setting up a heavyweight first-round clash against the No. 3 seed Las Vegas Aces. Their championship path kicks off with Game 1 in Las Vegas at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Sunday, September 27, followed by Game 2 back at home in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 29, and an if-necessary Game 3 back in Vegas on Thursday, October 1.

To pull off an underdog title run, Indiana will need to lock down the Aces in the opening round, clear the semifinals starting October 4, and survive a demanding best-of-seven Finals series set to run through late October.

Key takeaways

• Caitlin Clark wants to leave a lasting legacy beyond winning a WNBA championship.
• The former overall top pick claimed the 2024 Rookie of the Year honors.
• Indiana enters the playoffs as the No. 6 seed against Las Vegas.

James Trafford, the current Leeds United goalkeeper in the Premier League, will take his place in the starting lineup. It appears that the manager is beginning to introduce a changing of the guard in this new era and wants to give new faces an opportunity in his squad.

Pickford was one of the standout performers for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup, and now he will have to support the team from a different role. It remains to be seen whether he will get minutes today or in another fixture, or whether Trafford has arrived to take over the starting spot.

England will play this Nations League fixture without key players such as Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford, both of whom will miss the match altogether. The highlight of this matchday features two major contenders going head-to-head.

An England national team legend

Jordan Pickford has transformed into an absolute icon for the Three Lions, cementing his status as one of England’s most reliable tournament performers in modern football history. Holding 91 caps and an impressive 46 clean sheets for his national team, he trails only the legendary Peter Shilton in total international appearances among English goalkeepers after surpassing icons like Gordon Banks, David Seaman, and Joe Hart.

His rise to cult hero status kicked off at the 2018 World Cup when he broke England’s longstanding penalty shootout curse against Colombia, a big-game edge he maintained while anchoring back-to-back runs to the UEFA European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024 as well as deep World Cup knockout runs.

Defined by his energetic vocal leadership, clutch shot-stopping, and ice-cold composure during high-stakes moments, Pickford remains the unquestioned heartbeat between the posts for England.

Key takeaways

• Jordan Pickford was benched by Thomas Tuchel due to tactical considerations.
• Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford replaced Pickford in the starting lineup.
• The benchmark goalkeeper trails only Peter Shilton in total international appearances.

“I’m gonna leave that up to the coaches to answer,” Hunter said to the press about the rotation at cornerback this week. “That ain’t for me to answer.” For now, the former Colorado Buffaloes star feels comfortable playing both wide receiver and cornerback.

The Jaguars will host the New England Patriots at EverBank Stadium in Week 3 as they look to secure a win at home. Whether Hunter will be one of Trevor Lawrence’s primary targets through the air or take on a bigger role in the secondary remains to be seen.

Deion Sanders’ uncertainty

If there is anyone who knows Hunter firsthand, it is Deion Sanders. The two spent time together at Colorado, and the coach remains somewhat puzzled by the fact that his former player has yet to fully unleash one of his two skill sets.

“I don’t ask questions because I’m not there,” Coach Prime said recently on his CBS Colorado show. “I don’t know what transpires when we’re not looking. I have no idea what’s going on. I know who he was and who he is right now. I know what he’s capable of. I do know that.”

Hunter’s numbers this season

Entering the 2026 NFL season, Travis Hunter’s rare two-way deployment has leaned much heavier toward defense so far. Operating primarily as a starting cornerback, Hunter has locked down 5 total tackles (all solo) and a pass defensed across his first two games.

Meanwhile, his workload on offense as a wide receiver has been notably light, recording just 1 reception for 8 yards along with 1 rushing attempt for 3 yards. Though Jacksonville continues to rotate him on both sides of the ball, his early-season snaps highlight a primary focus on anchoring the secondary at CB while taking select rotational reps at WR.

Key takeaways

• Travis Hunter stated he leaves his positional usage decisions entirely to the Jaguars’ coaches.
• Deion Sanders expressed uncertainty regarding his former player’s current usage in Jacksonville.
• The defensive focus yielded five total solo tackles and one pass defensed through two games.

Rashford, who now represents Manchester United after his spell at Barcelona, has been dealing with hip problems since his participation in the last World Cup, prompting the manager to leave him out of the squad.

Tuchel begins his campaign in the competition with some new faces in attack, while Harry Kane remains the focal point as the team’s captain. The Three Lions share Group 3 with not only Spain, but also the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Rashford’s most recent appearances for England

Marcus Rashford served as a versatile rotation option for England during the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, making 6 appearances (3 starts) throughout the tournament. The Manchester United forward contributed 1 goal—scoring coming off the bench in England’s opening 4–2 victory against Croatia—and registered 1 assist in the thrilling 6–4 third-place playoff win over France. Overall, he logged 223 minutes on the pitch as Thomas Tuchel rotated his attacking line on the way to securing bronze.

England’s schedule

England’s path in Group A3 of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League promises a packed autumn schedule for Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The Three Lions kick off their campaign at home against Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26, before heading to Prague to play Czechia at Fortune Arena on Tuesday, September 29.

The action picks right back up in October with an away trip to face Croatia at HNK Rijeka Stadium on Saturday, October 3—played behind closed doors due to a UEFA sanction—followed by the reverse fixture against Czechia back at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6.

Finally, England round out the group stage in November by hosting Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, November 12, before wrapping up with a blockbuster away match against Spain on Sunday, November 15.

Key takeaways

• Marcus Rashford misses the Nations League opener against Spain due to a hip injury.
• The forward contributed one goal and one assist during six 2026 World Cup appearances.
• England begin campaign at home against Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26.

The midfielder’s injury is not new, which has also raised concerns at his club, Arsenal. During the World Cup, Rice reported significant pain in his back as well as his hamstrings.

Rice has been a key player for the Three Lions, and beginning this campaign without him on the field could be a significant blow for the team. Tuchel will have to find alternatives capable of stepping up and filling his role.

Harry Kane’s support

The European football calendar is extremely demanding, and it can often take a toll on players’ physical condition. Harry Kane, captain of the England national team, revealed that he had spoken with Rice and addressed his absence for the opener against Spain.

“I spoke to Dec, and I know Dec goes far and beyond for the club and country, so I know how much he gives and I know he’s been struggling for a while with his issues,“ Kane said to the press. “So someone like Dec has to get himself sorted and get himself fresh, and he has big games for club, big games for country, coming up.”

Rice’s influence on the England national team

Declan Rice has morphed into the absolute heartbeat of England’s midfield, serving as the reliable engine block that bridges defense and attack with 80 senior caps and 8 goals to his name. His ability to sweep up danger, dominate physical duels, and single-handedly dictate the tempo of a game makes him virtually irreplaceable in Thomas Tuchel’s setup.

Missing him for the UEFA Nations League clash against Spain is a massive blow; without his defensive coverage and press-resistant ball carrying, the Three Lions risk getting overrun in the middle of the park against La Roja’s elite midfield carousel.

Key takeaways

• Declan Rice will miss the Nations League match against Spain due to injury.
• Harry Kane confirmed Rice has been struggling with back and hamstring issues.
• The Arsenal midfielder has accumulated 80 senior caps and scored eight goals for England.

This is not the first time the manager has made this decision regarding Foden. In fact, the Manchester City forward was one of the notable talking points months earlier after being left out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Players such as Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers are usually the alternatives to Foden in England’s attack. With no injuries or physical issues involved, he will once again be unable to represent his country.

Foden’s last appearance for England

Phil Foden last played officially for the Three Lions on November 16, 2025, coming off the bench in the second half during England’s 2–0 victory over Albania in Tirana to lock up a flawless 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Since making his senior international debut back in September 2020, the Manchester City star playmaker has earned 49 caps and scored 4 goals for his country.

Tuchel’s chosen forwards

Thomas Tuchel called up a well-balanced group of forwards for England’s opening fixtures in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, mixing established superstars with fresh attacking energy. Led by captain Harry Kane at the focal point, the frontline features regular wing threats like Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, alongside versatile attackers Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers.

Tuchel also opted for a couple of intriguing call-ups by bringing in Dominic Calvert-Lewin for central depth and handing exciting teenager Rio Ngumoha a spot in the attack. Marcus Rashford withdrew from the squad due to injury.

Key takeaways

• Thomas Tuchel omitted Phil Foden for Nations League fixtures due to tactical considerations.
• Phil Foden last appeared for England in November 2025, reaching 49 total caps.
• Attackers called up by England include Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Rio Ngumoha.

Luis de la Fuente’s side begins this campaign with a sense of unfinished business. In the 2025 final, Spain fell to Portugal on penalties, coming agonizingly close to adding another title to their trophy cabinet.

The situation is somewhat different for Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions. England competed in League B in 2025 after being relegated in the previous edition, ultimately achieving their main objective of returning to the top tier after winning their group from start to finish.

England’s starting XI for the opener

Squad changes are a natural part of any team-building process. Thomas Tuchel, who guided England to a respectable campaign at the last World Cup, will stick with the core of the squad that competed in that tournament for the opening match against Spain.

James Trafford; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Aaron Gordon; Harry Kane.

Spain’s predicted lineup

Luis de la Fuente has no intention of holding anything back for the opener and will field his strongest available lineup. These are the 11 players who are likely to start against England.

Unai Simon; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Ferran Torres.

Key takeaways

• Wembley Stadium will host the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League opener between England and Spain.
• Spain lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties.
• Thomas Tuchel is expected to keep the core of his World Cup squad for England.

“Most kids that are highly recruited, if they don’t play in their first or second year, they usually transfer out,” Peyton Manning said back in 2025. “It’s why I went to Tennessee, I wanted to go to school there. It’s why Arch went to Texas, because he wanted to go to Texas, and play for Steve Sarkisian.”

Coach Sarkisian is well known for his offensive-minded approach and has helped develop quarterbacks such as Quinn Ewers, who eventually made his way to the NFL after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Manning, meanwhile, appears to be making the most of his talent at Texas.

Some have also suggested that Arch sought, in some way, to take a different path from his uncles. Joining Tennessee, or the Ole Miss Rebels like Eli, might have meant carrying an additional level of pressure, whereas beginning his college career at Texas allowed him to start from a clean slate.

Sarkisian is a great ally for Arch

Steve Sarkisian is pretty much the ultimate head coach to unlock Arch Manning’s full potential, operating as one of the sharpest offensive minds and quarterback developers in all of college football. Sark’s play-calling genius—built on heavy pre-snap motion, clever play-action schemes, and NFL-style spatial concepts—creates a high-powered scheme tailor-made for a quarterback with Arch’s processing speed and big arm.

Beyond the playbook, Sarkisian’s proven track record of refining elite passers and managing high-stakes pressure gives Arch the perfect environment to sharpen his mechanics, read defenses like a pro, and comfortably step into the family legacy without missing a beat.

Peyton’s legacy at Tennessee

Peyton Manning’s time with the Tennessee Volunteers is the ultimate blueprint for college football royalty, defined by elite preparation and absolute mastery of the SEC. Stepping in as a freshman in 1994, he quickly transformed the Vols into a national powerhouse, steering Knoxville through a golden era while racking up a dominant 39-6 record as a starter.

Over his four-year run, Peyton shredded defenses to the tune of 11,201 passing yards and 89 touchdowns—both school records—while orchestrating offenses with the kind of pre-snap chess moves that would later become his NFL trademark.

His legendary college path peaked in 1997 when he led Tennessee to an SEC Championship, swept individual honors by winning the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards, finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, and cemented #16 as an untouchable icon in Rocky Top history.

Eli made his mark at Ole Miss

Taking on the Ole Miss quarterback job with the surname “Manning” on his jersey meant Eli was under the microscope from day one, but he handled the Oxford pressure like an absolute natural. Instead of being defined by his lineage, he completely reset expectations for Rebels football, elevating the program with his smooth pocket presence, clutch gene, and ridiculous arm strength.

By the time he threw his last pass in blue and red, Eli had completely taken over the school record books with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes. The pinnacle of his college journey came in 2003, when he dragged Ole Miss to a 10-win season, capped it off with a Cotton Bowl victory, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and claimed the prestigious Maxwell Award—proving beyond doubt that he was a star in his own right.

Key takeaways

• Arch Manning joined Texas over Tennessee in the 2023 recruiting class.
• Peyton Manning stated in 2025 that Arch wanted to play for Steve Sarkisian.
• Joining Texas allowed Arch to start from a clean slate away from his uncles.

“We have to get better at executing in the red zone, because that’s what wins you football games,” Mahomes stated during his press conference. A field goal can contribute to a victory, but a touchdown is more effective.

The quarterback also spoke about maintaining a winning mindset from game to game: “In this league, it’s week-to-week… All offseason, we heard about how bad we were… How can you keep that hunger now that everyone is praising you, telling you you’re great… We’re nowhere near where we want to be… You have to go out every week and have that mentality if you want to have success.”

One way or another, the Chiefs are doing a great job and currently hold a 2-0 record. As the weeks go by, it will be interesting to see whether they can ultimately make the necessary adjustments on offense to become a more lethal team in the red zone.

Chiefs’ offensive firepower

Through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, the Chiefs’ offense has been putting up points, racking up 7 total touchdowns (5 passing, 2 rushing) and sticking to their high-powered scoring routine. Harrison Butker has stayed sharp as well, hitting 5 of his 6 field goal attempts over the two-game stretch.

As for Patrick Mahomes‘ go-to partner, Travis Kelce remains his primary target in the air—leading the team with 12 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown—though newly acquired running back Kenneth Walker III has quickly turned into an explosive centerpiece for the overall attack.

Kansas City wants to keep the momentum going

The Chiefs are heading into a key divisional stretch, starting with two straight road games before taking an early breather. First up in Week 3, they hit the road to take on the Miami Dolphins, followed by a quick trip out West in Week 4 for a classic AFC West rivalry showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. After that division battle, Kansas City gets its BYE week in Week 5 to recharge before returning home to Arrowhead in Week 6 to host the Los Angeles Chargers.

Key takeaways

• Quarterback Patrick Mahomes stated the Kansas City Chiefs must execute better in the red zone.
• Harrison Butker has converted 5 of 6 field goals through two games this season.
• Kansas City faces the Miami Dolphins on the road in Week 3 of the schedule.

“Beautiful picture but I’m too busy trying to find a level 40 crew to join,” Carr said via his social media. While there have been recent cases such as Aaron Donald coming out of retirement, that does not appear to be the case for the former Las Vegas Raiders player.

The Giants are still evaluating their next steps after learning that Dart will miss the rest of the 2026 NFL season with a knee injury. For now, the possibility of Carr joining the team has quickly faded.

Carr’s last time on the field

Carr’s final official NFL appearance came back on December 8, 2024, during a Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants, where he threw for 219 yards, a touchdown, and an interception before leaving with a left hand injury. His path to retirement unfolded a few months later in May 2025.

While gearing up for the 2025 season, Carr began experiencing persistent right shoulder pain, and subsequent scans revealed a labral tear along with significant degenerative rotator cuff damage. Facing a potential surgery that would miss the entire year with no promise of returning to full strength, Carr opted to hang up his cleats after 11 seasons, choosing to walk away from a guaranteed $30 million rather than taking a roster spot while unable to play at his standard.

What other options are the Giants considering?

With Dart out for the season, the Giants are forced to re-evaluate their quarterback room on the fly. Jameis Winston takes over as the QB1 for now, but given his volatile style, New York’s front office is actively exploring veteran upgrades and insurance policies.

While free agents and trade candidates are being evaluated around the league, Jimmy Garoppolo, Mason Rudolph emerge as early QB options to help steady the ship for the rest of the season. Whether the Giants opt to sign a proven veteran like Garoppolo or execute a trade for a capable backup like Rudolph, they clearly need more stability behind Winston if they want to keep their offense afloat.

Key takeaways

• Derek Carr rejected rumors about joining the New York Giants following Jaxson Dart’s injury.
• Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
• Backup Jameis Winston takes over as the primary starting quarterback for the Giants.

“I’m not going to assume on the timeline,” Quinn said to the press. “Once I know, I’ll share it with you to go. But I think just for me to say, this many weeks or not, I’d rather wait on that and let’s get all the info. But that said, I’d also say, yeah, we have a lot of confidence in what we do and what we’ve been doing. … But as far as a timeline, or what, or who else to add, we’ll wait on that.”

With the Seattle Seahawks looming in Week 3, Dan Quinn will once again have to rely on what Marcus Mariota can provide for his team. Athan Kaliakmanis, the quarterback selected in the most recent draft, is listed as the other option on the depth chart.

What we know about Daniels’ injury

Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated non-throwing elbow during the Commanders‘ loss to America’s Team. It happened on the final play of the first half when guard Chris Paul accidentally stepped on his foot, causing Daniels to lose his balance and awkwardly extend his left arm to break his fall—a brutal situation considering it’s the exact same elbow he dislocated late last season.

Fortunately, initial X-rays confirmed there are no fractures, but he’s currently meeting with specialists to review MRI results and determine if there’s any ligament damage or need for surgery.

A tough schedule ahead for the Commanders

After taking on Seattle in Week 3, the Commanders pack their bags for London in Week 4 to face the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following that overseas trip, they head back home to host a key divisional clash against the New York Giants in Week 5, before flying out to the West Coast for a heavy Monday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.

Key takeaways

• Head coach Dan Quinn cannot provide an exact timeline for Jayden Daniels’ return.
• Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota will start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
• X-rays revealed no fractures to his dislocated non-throwing left elbow.

According to what was revealed on Talkin’ Yanks, Boone’s plan is to move Anthony Volpe to third base this week, while George Lombard Jr. will remain at shortstop. With the playoffs just around the corner, the Pinstripes are looking for alternatives to put themselves in the best possible position.

The Tampa Bay Rays have clinched the AL East, meaning the Yankees will have to play in the Wild Card. Now, it remains to be seen what role Chisholm Jr. will ultimately have in the Yankees’ upcoming games.

Chisholm Jr.’s performance at second base

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been a proper electric mix of speed, pop, and streaks taking over second base for the Yankees this season. Plate discipline and pure average have been a bit up and down—he’s hitting around .232 across 134 games—but he still brings serious dynamic threat to the lineup with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, and an impressive 40 stolen bases.

While his aggressive style at the keystone has yielded some defensive bumps, his combination of elite athleticism, clutch hitting in late-game spots, and game-changing speed on the basepaths keeps him as a focal point in New York’s overall game plan.

Yankees turn their focus to what’s next

The Yankees are wrapping up the 2026 regular season right at home at Yankee Stadium with a crucial late-September push. They’re currently closing out their series against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 23 and 24, before heading straight into a big weekend division clash against the Baltimore Orioles from September 25 through September 27.

With the playoffs right around the corner, these final games are all about locking in momentum before October baseball takes over in the Bronx.

Key takeaways

• Manager Aaron Boone plans to keep Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base rather than third base.
• Anthony Volpe will shift to third base while George Lombard Jr. stays at shortstop.
• The AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays forced New York into the Wild Card.

Behind Pierce on the depth chart is the name of Laquon Treadwell at LWR. Josh Downs is the primary option at SWR, as Ashton Dulin is also out, while Deion Burks is listed further down the depth chart.

Keenan Allen, who is facing a potential three-game suspension, is the primary option at RWR, with recently acquired Darius Slayton behind him. The Colts’ passing attack is slowly being forced to reconfigure.

What happened to Alec Pierce?

Alec Pierce suffered a left heel injury during the Colts’ Week 2 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, September 20. It happened in the first quarter with non-contact drama—he was making a sharp cut on a route without the ball, lost his footing, and immediately came up limping before eventually being carted off to the locker room.

The tough part is that it’s an aggravation of the exact same heel and ankle issue he had offseason surgery on, which had already forced him to miss most of training camp. He’s expected to sit out several weeks to rehab it rather than undergoing another procedure, leaving Indy without one of their top deep threats for a chunk of the season.

Jones loses an important weapon

Pierce is coming off a massive breakout 2025 campaign where he truly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier vertical threats, hauling in 47 receptions for 1,003 yards, 6 touchdowns, and a wild 21.3 yards per catch.

That explosive big-play ability makes his recent heel injury a brutal blow for Daniel Jones, who loses his favorite downfield weapon for at least four weeks right as they were building serious chemistry.

Which games will Pierce miss?

With Alec Pierce sidelined for at least four weeks, he’ll be forced to watch a key stretch of the Colts’ schedule from the sidelines. He’s set to miss a big AFC South division battle at home against the Houston Texans in Week 3, followed by a trip across the pond to London to face the Washington Commanders in Week 4.

After that international trip, Indy hits the road again to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, before finishing his required IR stint at home against another division rival, the Tennessee Titans, in Week 6. It’s a brutal run of games to miss, especially with crucial division matchups and a overseas trip on the docket.

Key takeaways

• Alec Pierce was placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games.
• Receiver Laquon Treadwell sits behind Pierce at LWR on the team’s depth chart.
• The Colts play the Houston Texans in Week 3 to begin Pierce’s absent stretch.

“I don’t know about an expansion,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “I see the games continuing like they are. And I see the ethos, if you will, of the game, the story of the game really expanding all over the world. But fundamentally, to have an expansion team, probably is pretty far. If it’s here, it’s in the future.”

The creation of a new team, especially one based outside the United States, is not something that can happen overnight. For now, Jones believes it will take a considerable amount of time, but he did not rule out the possibility of it happening.

Goodell confident he can make his vision a reality

The fact that the NFL has been taking games to different countries around the world for years is a clear indication of the league’s ability to expand the sport internationally. While Jones does not appear particularly convinced by the project of a new team, Goodell believes that sooner or later it will move forward, along with the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States.

“At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day,” Goodell told Markus Kuhn in interview for German broadcaster RTL/ntv.

He also said about the Super Bowl: “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that. But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first.”

What international games remain this season?

The rest of the 2026 NFL international slate features a stacked lineup starting in Week 3 with Jerry Jones taking his Cowboys down to Rio de Janeiro to face the Baltimore Ravens at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. After that, London takes over for three straight weeks: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders in Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, and Houston Texans vs. Jaguars in Week 6.

The global tour finishes off with Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints in Paris (Week 7), Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons in Madrid (Week 9), New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions in Munich (Week 10), and wraps up with Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City in Week 11.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones expressed skepticism regarding near-future NFL expansion into European markets.
• Roger Goodell expects global expansion and potential Super Bowl hosting in foreign cities.
• Dallas faces Baltimore at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during Week 3.

“We just weren’t good enough in the second half to win this game,” Henry said, via the Baltimore Sun. “We were put in a position to win this game. We just have to be better. We just weren’t good enough — at all.”

The running back’s comments were likely in reference to what happened in the fourth quarter, when the Saints scored 15 points to secure their first win of the season. Now, heading into Week 3, both teams have a 1-1 record.

Derrick Henry didn’t have his best day

Derrick Henry was held largely in check during the Ravens’ loss to the Saints, finishing with 68 rushing yards on 16 carries and a 1-yard touchdown run, along with 3 catches for 19 yards. It was definitely a quiet outing by his standards—he averaged a decent 4.3 yards per carry, but New Orleans neutralized his home-run ability and kept his longest run of the day to just 8 yards.

He got into the end zone early on a wildcat snap to give Baltimore a boost, but as the offense stalled in the second half, the King wasn’t able to take over the game like he usually does.

Jesse Minter has confidence in his players

The Ravens’ performance clearly left no one in the organization satisfied. Still, the coach Jesse Minter knows they have more than enough talent on their roster to turn things around immediately.

“This team is going to have a lead [again],” Minter said to the press. “We are going to continue to chase and learn from what happened in those situations. We will get better and put our guys in the best position to be successful given the circumstances.”

What’s next for the Ravens?

Next up, the Ravens have a fascinating stretch starting with a trip down to Rio de Janeiro in Week 3 to face the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a return home to host the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, and then heading on the road to play a prime-time matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.

Key takeaways

• Derrick Henry voiced frustration after the Baltimore Ravens surrendered a fourth-quarter lead against the Saints.
• The New Orleans Saints scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
• The Ravens will travel to Rio de Janeiro in Week 3 to play the Cowboys.

“I’m hopeful that he’ll play,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the L.A. Times. “If he’s ready to go, great. If not, then we’ll continue to roll.” Nacua was listed as questionable for Monday Night Football and was ultimately inactive for the matchup.

“You have to redirect your whole kind of plans, and you almost have to operate where it’s like, ‘All right, if [Nacua] plays it’s a bonus, but we can’t count on him playing even though we were hopeful that there might be a chance,” the coach also added. “It really just boiled down to … when you have soft tissue injuries with guys like that, that are skill players, you’re going to err on the side of caution.”

Nacua’s absence in Week 2 was more than adequately covered by Davante Adams at SoFi Stadium. However, if McVay can have his two biggest aerial weapons on the field in Denver, Sean Payton will undoubtedly have plenty of reasons to worry.

What injury is Nacua dealing with?

Puka Nacua‘s status took a turn late in the week when a hip and groin issue popped up, ultimately ruling him inactive for Week 2 against the Giants. After making five catches for 74 yards in the season opener against San Francisco, Nacua had been dealing with psoas soreness through August and didn’t feel quite right during Thursday’s practice.

When he held out on Friday and Saturday with compounding hip and groin tightness, Sean McVay and the medical staff decided to play it safe rather than push him out there on Monday Night Football. It left Matthew Stafford leaning heavily on Davante Adams in the passing game, though early signs point to the move being a precautionary measure to prevent a nagging lower-body injury from lingering deeper into the season.

What lies beyond the Broncos?

The Rams are heading into a pretty grueling stretch of games over the next month. It all kicks off with a trip into the high altitude to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 27 at Empower Field at Mile High. Right after that road test, they stay on the highway for another tough matchup when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 4 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Once those back-to-back road trips are out of the way, they finally return home to Inglewood. First up at SoFi Stadium is a heavy-hitting prime-time clash against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, October 12. To wrap up this four-game stretch, they stay right there at home to host their division rival, the Arizona Cardinals, on Sunday, October 18.

Key takeaways

• Sean McVay expressed hope that his receiver will return against Denver.
• A hip and groin issue sidelined the wideout following five catches in Week 1.
• Los Angeles visits the Broncos on September 27 at Empower Field at Mile High.

This could be Keenum‘s first NFL game since December 24, 2023, when he started for the Houston Texans against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16 of the 2023 season.

In that game, he completed 11 of 17 passes for 62 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Davis Mills in a 36–22 defeat. Now, he could make a long-awaited and unexpected return to the field, this time as the Bears’ starting quarterback.

Keenum’s experience in the league

Keenum is the ultimate NFL journeyman who turned an undrafted free-agent shot into an absolute survival clinic of a career. After entering the league with the Houston Texans in 2012, he bounced around as a reliable starter and elite backup across stops with the Rams (both in St. Louis and L.A.), Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, back to Houston, and finally the Chicago Bears.

While his signature peak came in 2017—leading the Vikings on a magical run punctuated by the iconic “Minneapolis Miracle”—he’s built a super respectable career stat line along the way: 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, 51 interceptions, and a 62.3% completion rate.

He forged a reputation as a quarterback who can step in, command a huddle, and win you a game on short notice. However, it’s been a while since he last saw NFL action, which is why Bears fans have a reason to be concerned.

Caleb Williams’ current status

Bears fans held their breath on Sunday when Caleb Williams went down clutching his right leg late in the fourth quarter against the Vikings. It looked absolute worst-case scenario at first—he was screaming in pain and had to be carted to the locker room with a towel over his head—leading everyone to fear a season-ending knee or Achilles tear. Luckily, tests confirmed it’s just a right hamstring injury and head coach Ben Johnson officially classified him as week-to-week.

Key takeaways

• Case Keenum may start against Philadelphia with Tyson Bagent in concussion protocol.
• His last start occurred on December 24, 2023, with the Houston Texans.
• A right hamstring injury sidelined Caleb Williams.

“I was thinking about this, they’re gonna have to bring someone in,” Shasky said. “It’s probably too early for trades, though I do believe there are some trades that are gonna go down … Let me give you some of the free agents the Niners could sign this week given the Demarcus Robinson injury. Tyreek Hill? No, they’re not gonna do it. This team’s not bringing him in. I’m just gonna tell everyone right now: the Chiefs will, [the Niners] won’t.”

Hill’s history with Chiefs Kingdom could bring him back to Andy Reid’s team, although he would need to be at 100% physically to reach an agreement. For now, it appears that Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers will not have Cheetah’s services.

Hill looks to get back to full strength

Tyreek Hill is working his way back from a horrific left knee injury—including a knee dislocation and multiple torn ligaments like his ACL—suffered last September while still with the Dolphins. After undergoing two surgeries, being released by Miami in February, and navigating a long rehab process where doctors initially worried he might never run the same, the 32-year-old speedster is currently unsigned.

While Hill recently admitted he’s still rebuilding power in that left leg, his agent Drew Rosenhaus noted that medical staff are eyeing a potential return to action around October—meaning once he gets full medical clearance, a contending team will likely scoop him up mid-season for a playoff push.

Hill’s time with the Chiefs

Tyreek Hill’s six-year run with Kansas City from 2016 to 2021 was nothing short of electric, establishing him as the ultimate big-play threat in Andy Reid’s offense. Over 91 regular-season games in KC, Cheetah caught 479 passes for 6,630 receiving yards and 56 receiving TDs, while adding another 712 rushing yards and 6 TDs on the ground.

He made the Pro Bowl in all six of his seasons with the Chiefs, earned three First-Team All-Pro selections, and played a massive role in reaching back-to-back Super Bowls—including bringing home the ring in Super Bowl LIV. He truly transformed the way defenses had to cover Kansas City before being traded to Miami in 2022.

Key takeaways

• Free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill is reportedly expected to sign with Kansas City rather than San Francisco.
• A target return window around October remains set following two knee surgeries.
• During six seasons with KC, he recorded 479 receptions for 6,630 receiving yards.